Laura Young
National Consultant for Education
About me
I have spent almost 19 years working in education, and throughout that time, one thing has remained at the heart of everything I do - a genuine passion for helping children and teachers thrive.
I began my career as a primary teacher before moving into a principal teacher role, where I discovered how much I valued supporting colleagues as well as learners.
My interest in STEM education led me to become a Primary STEM Development Officer (PSDO) with Falkirk Council. In this role, I worked alongside practitioners to build confidence and bring science and STEM learning to life in meaningful and engaging ways.
I then moved on to become the National Education Officer for the Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) programme, based within Education Scotland and employed by The Wood Foundation. Over four and a half years, I led a national network of Primary STEM Development Officers, supporting them to lead change within their own local authorities.
During this time, we also developed a wide range of learning resources informed by national data. These are hosted on the STEM Nation RAiSE platform and continue to support practitioners in delivering high-quality STEM learning experiences.
As part of this role, I worked closely with partners including the Scottish Government, ensuring the programme aligned with national priorities and contributed to wider educational improvement. I designed and delivered professional learning at a national level, supporting practitioners across Scotland to build confidence and enhance their practice.
More recently, I have developed a particular passion for Project-Based Learning (PBL). In 2024–2025, I completed a “Train the Trainer” programme through The Wood Foundation in collaboration with The Nashville Hub, becoming an accredited PBL trainer in May 2025. I believe deeply in the power of PBL to create meaningful, rich learning that connects to real life. Through my consultancy, I now offer professional learning in PBL, supporting practitioners to confidently design and deliver high-quality project-based learning in their classrooms.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: when teachers feel confident and supported, great learning happens.
Experience Snapshot
National Education Officer
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Led national delivery of the RAiSE programme across Scotland
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Supported and developed a network of Primary STEM Development Officers
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Designed and delivered large-scale professional learning
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Worked in partnership with national organisations, including Scottish Government, to align with key priorities
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Led programme evaluation, impact reporting and funding accountability
Primary STEM Development Officer
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Led STEM improvement across Falkirk Council
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Designed and delivered professional learning based on practitioner needs
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Adapted provision during COVID-19, delivering effective online professional learning
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Increased teacher confidence and supported curriculum innovation across schools
Principal Teacher
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Led school improvement priorities and supported strategic planning
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Supported learning, teaching and had pastoral care across three stages (6 teachers, approximately 160 pupils)
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Provided leadership, mentoring and professional learning for staff
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Strengthened approaches to assessment, moderation and attainment
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Worked closely with external partners including educational psychologists and allied professionals
Class Teacher
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Delivered high-quality learning across a range of stages (P2–P7)
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Led STEM and wider curriculum initiatives within school
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Led Rights Respecting Schools, achieving Gold status (first primary school in Falkirk)
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Developed inclusive, engaging learning environments that supported all learners